IF YOU'RE GOING...

Every day a hundred thousand drivers on Interstate 280, south of San Francisco, look west to a lofty Santa Cruz Mountain ridge, then zip past the easy access to it at Highway 92. Here's what they miss: redwoods and stunning roadside vistas on Skyline Boulevard, or Highway 35, as it follows the ridge top south to Saratoga. To best enjoy the sights, allow four hours.

EL CORTE DE MADERA CREEK OPEN SPACE PRESERVE After a winding nine-mile drive from Highway 92, stretch out under the 1,800-year-old redwood locals call Methuselah, then take the Tafoni Trail to rare honeycomb sandstone formations. Explore some 35 miles of trails; check their Web site ahead of time for any trail closures. (650) 691-1200, openspace.org.

ALICE’S RESTAURANT This roadhouse diner is a popular lunch spot for hungry hikers, battered mountain cyclists, and tattooed bikers. Fuel up on omelets, biscuit breakfast sandwiches, or specialty burgers such as the Harley (smoked bacon, sausage, grilled onions, and cheese) or the BMW (bacon, mushroom, and Worcestershire). (650) 851-0303, alicesrestaurant.com.

THOMAS FOGARTY WINERY For $8 you can sip three of winemaker Michael Martella’s creations, including including Santa Cruz Mountain pinot noir and chardonnay. Then soak up the sweeping views of San Francisco Bay. (650) 851-6777, fogartywinery.com.

RUSSIAN RIDGE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE Ready to get wild? In spring, look for patches of buttercups, Johnny-jump-ups, and loads of other wildflowers at this 3,137-acre tract. Throughout the year, hike and bike the trails. Keep an eye to the sky; red-tailed hawks and golden eagles are known to soar here. (650) 851-0303, openspace.org.